I walked into the bedroom and knelt beside Lily’s side of the bed.

Her eyes fluttered open, dark and serious in the shadows.

“Ryker?” she whispered.

“I have to go out for a little while, Lily,” I said.

“Is the bad lady coming?” she asked.

“No,” I said, smoothing a strand of hair from her forehead. “She is going away for a long time.”

“Promise?”

“I promise,” I said. “Stay here with Owen. Do not open the door for anyone but me or Marco.”

She nodded, her small fingers wrapping tightly around the edge of the blanket.

“I’ll be brave,” she said.

“I know you will,” I whispered.

I stood up and walked out of the cabin, locking the heavy deadbolt from the outside.

The cold air hit my face, smelling of pine and wet earth.

I slipped through the trees, moving toward my parked SUV.

The engine started with a low hum.

I drove without headlights, navigating the dirt track by memory.

The cannery was only two miles away.

As I neared the turnoff, I saw the faint glow of headlights in the distance.